As reported in previous Newsletters, new planning legislation requires the incorporation of “Core Strategies” in all Development Plans. This means that many Development Plans will be varied in the coming months and it could also mean that land for residential development will be curtailed to take account of revised population figures. A number of Councils have already published proposed Variations and many more will follow.
As we have reported previously in our Newsletter, the new Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2010 requires the incorporation of “Core Strategies” in all Development Plans. The Core Strategies should provide a clear evidence-based development framework for Plans, having regard to the National Spatial Strategy and relevant Regional Planning Guidelines. This includes compliance with revised population targets and settlement strategies set out in the new suite of Regional Planning Guidelines that were adopted during 2010. Councils will be assessing the supply and demand for residential development land in particular and this could ultimately result in changes to zonings and/or phasing.
The Variation of Development Plans to incorporate Core Strategies follows a statutory process, which provides for public consultation prior to the decision of Councillors to Vary the Plan. This Newsletter will continue to carry selected articles covering published Variations and new Development Plans – Please also see article in this month’s newsletter about the Ennis and Environs Development Plan.